An upgraded biometric verification system (BVS), Multi Finger Biometric Verification System (MFBVS) has been launched to issue SIM cards to control unlawful sales.
National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) and cellular mobile operators (CMOs) inked a contract at the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) headquarters to deploy Multi Finger Biometric Verification System (MFBVS).
NADRA and CMOs have modified BVS devices for sale to satisfy new system requirements. The new system requires multiple fingerprint impressions and applicant antecedents when issuing a new or duplicate SIM.
Moreover, the seller representative’s discretion over the choice of fingers for verification has been shifted to the system, which asks for two random fingers. Implementing the new method will make the illegal use of false fingerprints impossible.
PTA Chairman Major General (retd) Amir Azeem Bajwa, NADRA Chairman Muhammad Tariq Malik, PTA Member (Compliance & Enforcement) Dr. Khawar Siddique Khokhar, FIA’s assistant director-general, and CMO representatives attended the signing event.
NADRA’s chairman said MBFVS can deter fraudsters.
He said that the new technology uses an indigenous smart algorithm to propose a finger choice rather than prefixed finger positions.
The improved approach will eliminate silicon-based fingerprints used for SIM card issuance and hinder unlawful SIM purchases.
The new method will prevent false SIM issuing and ID fraud, preserve privacy, and boost Pakistan’s national security.